The paradise island of Saint-Martin is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, incredible azure waters and exceptional culinary scene. Yet this laid-back Caribbean destination is also home to some amazing boutiques where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts.

You’ll find a wide variety of stores all over the island, from the capital Philipsburg on the Dutch side, to seafront boutiques offering breathtaking views. You can also explore the shops on the other side of the island, in the French village of Marigot, where you can shop for a beach dress, a nice gift or a souvenir.

Take advantage of the privilege of the duty-free zone to indulge in jewelry, spirits and electronics, which are of course tax-free when you shop on Saint-Martin. Traditional Caribbean artworks and handcrafted creations, as well as the famous Guavaberry liqueur, are just some of the great finds to bring back as souvenirs of your vacation.

As well as basking in the sun on the superb beaches, no trip to the island would be complete without a day’s shopping in Saint-Martin’s varied boutiques.

Dutch shopping on Front Street in Pilipsburg

Front Street is an important street in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, the Dutch part of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. Philipsburg is known for its lively shopping district, and Front Street is its heart. The street runs parallel to the Great Bay waterfront and is lined with a variety of stores, boutiques and restaurants. It’s a popular destination for tourists visiting Sint Maarten, as it offers a wide range of shopping and dining options with magnificent views over the bay.

One of the best things to do in Saint-Martin is to explore the mile-long Front Street. Exercise your bargaining skills as you unearth treasures from the many vendor stalls.

Here you’ll find a good mix of brand-name stores and small boutiques selling authentic Caribbean wares. The famous Guavaberry Emporium, housed in the former governor’s mansion, is a must for the island’s signature liqueur. Nearby, you’ll find the Crossroads sign, a popular landmark and a great place to snap a photo on your shopping day.

In addition to shopping, you’ll discover a number of cultural and historical points of interest as you stroll along Front Street. Take a minute to admire the clock tower of the courthouse, which is shaped like a pineapple. The building itself is impressive, dating back to the late 1700s, when it was used as a post office and prison.

This main shopping street also runs parallel to a beautiful beach with a seafront promenade that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district. Admire the view from Great Bay beach, which dazzles with its classic Caribbean charm; a welcome addition to your shopping experience.

Settle into a café with a cool drink on the promenade to admire your purchases in a beautiful setting, steeped in island atmosphere.

Just off Front Street, Old Street lives up to its name, with its 19th-century houses now home to typical stores. Other boutiques and souvenir stands can be found along the narrow streets, called steegjes, that link Front Street to Achterstraat (Back Street), another haven for shopping enthusiasts.

Maho Village, an ideal spot on the Dutch side: rum, sunglasses, jewelry and watches

Mahó is a neighborhood located on the Dutch coast of the island of Saint-Martin, in the West Indies. Maho Village, also known as Maho Beach, is famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes pass very close to the beach as they take off and land, offering visitors a unique experience. Maho Village is a lively tourist spot with restaurants, stores and attractions. It is located close to Simpson Bay. It’s a popular spot for vacationers who want to watch the planes while enjoying the beach and amenities of Sint Marteen Island.

Jewelry shops, designer clothes, sunglasses, cosmetics, bargains, restaurants and bars are sure to tempt you in this vibrant place, which also offers gaming for casino enthusiasts. On the beach, take a seat at the famous Driftwood Boat Bar, a favorite of visitors and locals alike, where you can sip a drink while watching the planes come and go.

French shopping at the Marigot market

An extraordinary way to immerse yourself in island culture is to explore a Caribbean market and immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere while discovering locally handcrafted items. Located on the French side of the island, the Marigot market is a colorful spectacle, brimming with produce, t-shirts, fragrances, spices, handicrafts and various stalls where you can sample the best of the island’s cuisine with a French twist.

Stroll among the stalls offering meats, seafood and spices, as well as local produce that will make excellent souvenirs. Taste fresh island fruits such as mangoes, admire the pottery and don’t miss the famous Shrub cocktail, made with Caribbean rum and orange peel.

Take time to admire the famous giant fresco, painted in 2006, proudly displayed outside the market. Inspired by the history of the Afro-Caribbean people, it was created by a local artist and pays tribute to the women who sell at the Marigot market.

Head for the open-air Creole huts that line the waterfront and sample more culinary delights while admiring the view over the bay (if you’re not already too full, of course).

For a well-deserved break, settle into one of the fantastic French restaurants around the market. The Marigot market is clearly one of the best places on the island to shop in Saint-Martin.

West Indies Shopping Mall

The West Indies Mall, located in the village of Marigot, is a paradise for luxury shoppers. Everything seems to be under one roof. The magnificent marble building on the waterfront has three levels and offers a wide range of brand-name boutiques, including Cartier, Gucci and Dior.

Fashion, all the big brands and jewelry aren’t the only things you’ll find in this mall. You’ll also be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the bay everywhere, from the moment you step outside. You’ll also find a selection of restaurants and bars for a well-deserved break. Escape the island heat by browsing the boutiques, or simply enjoy the relaxing ambience provided by the tropical plants in the mall’s atrium.

Marina Port La Royale

Explore Marigot’s marina, with its waterfront views, stores and restaurants worthy of a stopover. Marina Port La Royale is not only a lively port for boat trips and excursions, it’s also renowned throughout the French West Indies for its lively boutiques, fine shops and quality restaurants.

Stroll through the charming, shop-lined lanes, gaze at the gleaming yachts and relax on a terrace watching the passers-by with a delicious cocktail in hand. The marina is also an ideal place to enjoy the island’s magnificent sunset every evening.